Is there a business model for virtual reality news? Native advertising provides a start

Virtual reality and its cousin, 360-degree video, have been the talk of future-of-news circles since late last year — usually with the disclaimer that there is no business model yet.

But the starting place to generate revenue is clear: native advertising and sponsored content. Even as both VR storytelling and viewing technology remain in their infancy, big brand sponsors — McDonalds, Coke and a host of others — want in.

News outlets with well-developed studios for branded content have the jump on their competitors. Use of the technology for news along with advertising in a similar “native” style can grow together.